The Best VPNs for Canada in 2022

5 Best VPNs For Canada in 2022 – Secure Your Identity with These

Are you tired of dealing with various websites that are taking all your personal information, saving it, and even indexing it without your permission. Or, you may be worried about revealing and eventual theft of your identity and then being stalked around. If your answer to these questions is yes, then you need a VPN. 

 

Why Do You Need A VPN?

Virtual Private Network or VPN is a multipurpose tool with the fundamental purpose of online security. Our online activities have increased many folds in recent years and it puts us at high risk of digital or even physical threats. Hackers can track our online activities and sell the details for malicious purposes.

VPN hides our identity online by changing the IP addresses and prevents third-party applications from tracking our activities. Using it is highly important when connected to public networks as they lack advanced security features.

As for the home network, it is less important security-wise as ISP and routers have advanced security features built into them. Even then, VPN is a good safeguard against somebody gaining direct access to your information. In addition, it offers a number of other advantages. Users can access content restricted to specific geo-locations on websites like Netflix, YouTube, FireStick, Disney, and Prime Videos. Plus, users can stop companies from tracking them to display targeted ads.

VPN in Canada – Is It Really Necessary?

Canada has one of the world’s largest digital economies as everything from bank transactions to shopping happens online. The volume of online activity in Canada is immense. As discussed earlier, it puts the citizen at higher risk of digital threats. But, probably the most important reason to use VPN in Canada is Five Eyes Alliance.

Five Eyes Alliance is an intelligence-sharing platform for Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Countries part of Five Eyes openly collect information and intelligence on their citizens and share them with their allies. I’m sure not many citizens would be too comfortable with it even if it is for their own security.

It is probably why VPN sales in these countries are on the rise. In Canada, VPN usage has grown by 206% as per a report released in March 2020.

Buyer’s Guide For Selecting Best VPN in Canada

Finding the right VPN is a taxing task given the number of service providers in the market. Believe us, gimmicks by some brands are really tempting and one wants to give in but one must not haste. VPN itself can be a security risk as well and there have been incidences of scams. You must carefully consider several factors and then make a decision.

Knowing these factors will streamline options for you and it would be easy to select the best VPN for Canada. These factors are:

1. Know Your Priorities

Internet security is a major but not the only reason to buy a VPN. There are a plethora of things that a VPN can do and not every VPN is best at all of them. For some unblocking geo-restricted content might be a top priority while for others it can be downloading high volumes of P2P content anonymously. Some users only want to surf and stream videos without wanting to be tracked.

There are VPNs that specialize in each of the above domains and you can only get the right one if your priorities are clear. In most occasions, no single VPN will be able to perform all these functions effectively. In fact, some are brilliant at one task and downright terrible at other things. Hence, enlist your priorities and search for VPN accordingly. We will touch down on this in our selected VPNs with their strengths and weaknesses.

2. Type & Number of Devices You Own

Pretty much all VPNs work with Windows and macOS but support beyond that varies. Think about the devices you want to have a VPN on and filter out the products that are not compatible. Also, VPNs can only connect to a limited number of devices and the number itself varies for different products. Make sure the VPN you can connect with all the devices that you intend to use it on.

Furthermore, VPNs work in different manners. Some provide anonymity to selective browsers while others impact the entire device. The latter is better when it comes to protecting the data saved in internal storage.

3. Registration of VPN in Different Countries

This is probably the most critical consideration as it determines the extent of privacy and anonymity you get from VPNs. Like other products, VPNs are subjected to the laws of their native countries. Although regulations of host countries also play a role, native laws have more impact on the company’s policies.

While selecting the VPN check for the countries where it is registered. It must be in countries that are privacy-friendly and have strict policies in place. Examples of countries with excellent privacy laws include Switzerland, Panama, and the British Virgin Islands. Remember that No feature and no offer can trump the favorable privacy regulations.

4. Number & Location of Servers

VPN essentially disconnects users from native servers and connects them with its own servers. Amidst high internet traffic, these servers can get congested and this impairs their performance. Hence, a VPN with a higher number of servers delivers better performance.

Furthermore, the number of overseas servers also determines the geo-restricted content that it can unlock. That said, it is important to understand that a higher number of servers does not necessarily mean a better service. A VPN can have tens of servers in one country and it is still not much of a benefit if it only unlocks the content of that particular region.

Besides the number of servers a VPN utilizes, one must also consider their locations. VPN with servers all around the world would perform much better.

5. Protocols of VPN

VPN’s protocol heavily impacts the extent of security and speed of the internet. OpenVPN protocol is by far the most versatile and is available for a range of devices. Moreover, it is ideal for casual users that need basic security and want to unlock content from other regions.

VPNs running PPTP protocols are inexpensive but it is an old technology that is vulnerable to all sorts of threats. L2TP/IPsec is the most secured protocol currently but it slows down the speed of the internet. The last major protocol is WireGuard and it is the latest of all. It offers premium security without compromising on speed.

The selection of the protocol, again, depends on the priorities of users. WireGuard serves best to the corporates and individuals that need maximum security. PPTP protocol is ideal for casual streamers as it is inexpensive and can unlock geo-restricted content.

6. Type of Encryption

VPN protects the users against cyber threats by offering several layers of security. Encryption is the most important layer and it forms the central defense against digital threats. At bare minimum, a VPN should provide 256-bit encryption.

Beside that, users must look for the security of VPN accounts as well. You must not compromise on the two-factor authentication and also look for other features to ensure security of the account.

DNS leak test can be used to check if the VPN is hiding your IP and location properly. The test analyzes web connections and identifies servers that used to transmit information. In simple words, the test should show only VPN servers rather than actual user information. It shows that all of your traffic is secured in a virtual tunnel and there are no leaks.

7. Bandwidth Restrictions

While using free VPNs you must have noticed that it decreases the speed of the internet. It is because certain VPNs impose bandwidth restrictions and do not allow all the ISP’s bandwidth to be used. With Such VPNs, you would experience interruption and lags in the streaming and high latency while playing online games and video calls.

Most Paid VPNs do not impose such restrictions but nonetheless, it is important to check for that.

8. Free Trial

You can never know or determine the efficiency of a product until you try it yourself. The same goes for VPNs and luckily a number of brands offer these free trials. It is best not to immediately purchase a VPN but to try its free trial first. Using it will let you know how difficult the interface is, how many servers there are, the extent of unblocking geo-restricted content, and much more. It gives you more clarity on whether a particular VPN is suitable for you or not.

9. Customer Support

User Interfaces of VPNs are not easy to get a hold of even for tech-savvy individuals. No matter how simple the interface is there will be times when you are stuck on a problem. It can be a device-related error or a server failure. In either case, you would have to contact customer support which is why it is very important.

Given the fierce competition between VPN brands, usually, all of them provide effective support. You will also find tutorials for step-by-step installation and troubleshooting a problem. If the problem does not resolve, email support is also for most brands. Usually, the response comes within 24 to 72 hours.

Some VPN companies have also provided live-chat support to their users that resolve the problem in mere minutes. Compare the nature and effectiveness of customer support with the asking price and make the decision accordingly. It may seem a bit of a hassle but it is very important. Some users only realize it when they are stuck in the middle of an important task and customer support is unresponsive.

How to Get a VPN

Downloading and setting up a VPN is super easy. You need to visit the website of the VPN providers and download the application. Upon installation, the service providers would ask you to select the package that you want. After that, all that’s left is to fill up bank details and verify the transaction. And Your VPN will be up and running.

Best VPN in Canada – Secure Your Identity with These 5

As discussed, finding VPN Canada is a challenging task. But we took this difficult task and after considering all mentioned factors found some of the best VPNs in Canada. We hope it will narrow down options for you. So, let’s dive into it.

1.IPVanish VPN – Unparalleled Versatility With Multiple Protocols 

Specifications

Ad Block	No
Free Version	No
Simultaneous Connection	Unlimited
Offered Server	1,900
DNS Leak Test	Pass
Bandwidth Restriction	No

 

IPVanish VPN offers great value to the users with a robust collection of servers and customizability. The plan starts from 10.99$ a month but an annual subscription can be cheaper at 44.99$. It places no limit on the number of connected devices which makes it ideal for large families and small offices.

Furthermore, it offers all the VPN control that makes it highly versatile. WireGuard, a new technology, is also available that provides a nice balance between performance and security. Users that want to download P2P content can use the PPTP protocol for enhanced speed. Cherry on top? Most of these protocols are compatible with all major operating systems in the market.

IPVanish says it has 1,900 servers in 52 different countries. It allows you to access the geo-restricted content on Netflix and YouTube while hiding your identity. No major video streaming website can identify the users and hence you can enjoy the stream uninterrupted. Users can also download torrent movies and content without fear of getting caught.

The company is very clear and articulate about privacy policy. It does not monitor log user activity and collects as little data as possible. Furthermore, it neither sells nor rents the personal information or details of online activities of the clients. The android and iOS application create their own logs but the information stored in them cannot be accessed by the company. They use this  information to optimize the user experience and help with troubleshooting.

IPVanish VPN directly connects with the network rather than modifying the individual browser. This adds an additional layer of protection to the data stored in the internal storage of smartphones and PCs. DNS Leak Test reveals no leakage on either of the servers which is assuring for the users.

Pros

• Unlimited connections
• Servers in diverse regions
• Allows higher degree of customization
• Straightforward privacy policy
• Offers all major protocols

Cons

• Runs outdated interface
• No publicly released audits
• Registered in the United States

2. Express VPN – Unlocks Restricted Content & Enables Torrenting

Specifications

Ad Block	Yes
Free Version	No
Simultaneous Connection	5
Offered Server	3,000
DNS Leak Test	Pass
Bandwidth Restriction	No

Express VPN is registered in the British Virgin Islands, a privacy-friendly country that is assuring for users straightaway. It features an intuitive but simple interface that makes it easy to navigate around different settings. Smart location finds the most efficient server for the user by taking traffic, latency, speed, and distance into account.

Express VPN puts no restriction on the bandwidth and consequently delivers super-fast performance on all servers. The occasional decrease in speed is because of high traffic which can be bypassed via changing the server. 3,000 diversely located servers are available that ensure premium performance despite crowded networks.

All the major VPN protocols are available but their compatibility with different operating systems varies. OpenVPN runs on all devices and receives good appreciation because of its open source. ExpressVPN has not yet embraced WireGuard but has developed a protocol of its own called Lightway. It also uses an open-source wolfSLL cryptography library and is compatible with all operating systems including Mac and Linux.

Geo-restricted content on all major OTT platforms including HBO Max, Prime Videos, and Netflix can be accessed without being identified. Furthermore, users can also download torrent without worrying about potential lawsuits against copyright infringements.

ExpressVPN is very transparent in all policies and emphasizes a lot on privacy. They use RAM-only servers that do not store anything on the disk so the company does not receive client-information in the first place. The VPN does neither store logs of online activity nor the originating IP address. Your activities on the internet are as anonymous as it is possible. Not that it stores much of user data but still clearly states that it does not sell or rent the information to third parties.

The plan starts at 12.95$ per month which is a little higher than average but annual and biannual subscriptions offer tempting prices. Nonetheless, transparency in policies and additional advantage of registration in the British Virgin Islands makes it worth the price.  

Pros

• Large number of diversely distributed server
• Uncompromising and transparent privacy policies
• Split tunneling
• Intuitive interface
• Registered in privacy-friendly country

Cons

• Expensive
• Allows a limited number of connections

3. Nord VPN – Balances Premium Security Features With Blistering Speed

Specifications

Ad Block	Yes
Free Version	No
Simultaneous Connection	6
Offered Server	5,200
DNS Leak Test	Pass
Bandwidth Restriction	No

Nord VPN offers one of the largest collections of diversely located servers. It features top-notch protection, the latest VPN technologies, and advanced privacy features at a very reasonable price. Packages start from 11.5$ a month which is not cheap but 2-year plan at mere 89$ makes it affordable. Cherry on top? You can even play with cryptocurrencies to keep yourself anonymous from the start.

What sets it apart from the competition is the privacy features. It provides direct access to the Tor anonymization network which makes it extremely hard to trace the connection. Multi-hop connections, also known as Double VPN routes the connection through a second VPN server rather than just one. Even if one connection gets compromised the second ensures anonymity and security.

As of the protocols, it offers NordLynx which is built on the latest WireGuard. This new protocol is highly popular because of premium security that does not compromise internet speed. IKEv2 is also available but only for iOS and macOS. It is also the gold standard when it comes to VPN protocols.

5,200 servers are located in 59 different countries so an overly crowded network is not an issue. Furthermore, auto-connect analyzes the traffic, speed, and latency of the different servers and connects the users to the most optimal one. The user-interface is simple and even the tech-naïve users can easily get around different settings.

Nord VPN is registered in Panama, a country governed by favorable privacy laws. Plus, the company also has a clear policy about not storing logs or any of the details of users’ online activities.

Pros

• Uses latest VPN technology
• Registered in Panama
• One of the largest collection of servers
• Simple user interface
• Multi-hop, split tunneling and tor connections

Cons

• Limited number of connections
• Interface is occasionally cramped

4. Private Internet Access VPN – Unlock Restricted Content With Largest Server Collection

 Specifications

Ad Block	Yes
Free Version	No
Simultaneous Connection	10
Offered Server	35,000
DNS Leak Test	Pass
Bandwidth Restriction	No

PIA delivers premium VPN service with a user-friendly interface, fast speed, robust and advanced network settings. It also offers features beyond VPN protection including ad blockers and port forwarding. The company provides split-tunneling that allows users to designate applications and their data that is to be sent through VPN.

Split tunneling provides anonymity to users without compromising the internet speed. It is a great feature for low-risk activities like casual surfing and video streaming. With its massive collection of 35,000 servers located in 78 different countries, users get unpreceded access to restricted content. Be it Netflix, HBO, Disney or Prime Videos no service can track the users.

Thanks to this massive collection of servers, it hardly ever gets crowded. Users can connect to any server and enjoy interruption-free fast internet service while maintaining anonymity. That said, a chunk of these servers are virtual but to the company’s credit, they have revealed and tagged those servers on their website.

The company’s policy is clear about not keeping the logs of clients’ online activities. The company does not profit from the client’s data is also clearly stated in the policy document. A separate section containing the company’s policy to not store or collect browsing history, user IP, connection time stamps, bandwidth logs, and DNS queries is also clearly written.

PIA VPN supports WireGuard and OpenVPN, both of which are open-source and widely appreciated by tech gurus from around the world. The icing on the cake? Both these protocols are compatible with all operating systems including Linux and macOS.

The interface is user-friendly with separate log in, connections, and setting windows. The auto-connect feature is also available that finds the appropriate servers after analyzing different factors.

Pros

• Well-crafted application
• Largest collection of servers
• Latest security and networking technologies
• Excellent scores on speed test
• Transparent Privacy policy

Cons

• Located in the United States
• Short trial period 

5. Pure VPN –  Reliable & Dependable Service With Access To 139 Countries

Specifications

Ad Block	Yes
Free Version	No
Simultaneous Connection	10
Offered Server	6,500
DNS Leak Test	Pass
Bandwidth Restriction	No

Pure VPN is based in the British Virgin Islands and offers an outstanding network of international servers with impressive applications. The package starts from 10.95$ per month but users can get discounts on annual packages. Payments to the company can be made via cryptocurrencies.

The standout feature of Pure VPN is the location of servers that are dispersed in 139 different countries. Although some of them are virtual, it is a great collection nonetheless. Furthermore, it does not use RAM-based servers which are most advanced but it has taken all the steps to ensure protection against potential threats.

The company’s privacy policy is not one of the most articulate ones but it is clear about not collecting the customer’s information. It neither collects nor stores IP addresses, timestamps, DNS requests, or browsing histories of the clients. However, the company does collect information about how long a particular connection has lasted but it is not tagged with the client’s information.

Pure VPN uses a variety of protocols but their compatibility varies for different operating systems. For example, iOS supports both OpenVPN, IPSEC, and IKEv2 while android only runs on Open VPN and IKEv2. We like OpenVPN better because of its open-source origin that is tested for vulnerabilities every day by independent engineers.

Add-ons like port forwarding and DDoS are also available at additional prices of 0.99cents and 3.99$ a month respectively. Both of these features target the gamers in formation of networks and protecting it from bogus traffic.

Pros

• Servers are located in diverse regions
• Smart application design
• Affordable add-ons
• Favorable country of origin
• Multiple protocols

Cons

• Compatibility of protocols vary for different operating systems
• Lacks WireGuard 

Internet Surveillance in Canada

It is an open secret that governments all around the world collect data on their citizens whether it is online or offline. We can argue whether it is a breach in privacy or an effort to secure the citizens but the fact remains. The Canadian government also follows suit.

The Canadian Government has not released any report or document regarding the extent of surveillance as there is no demand from the Public. But some independent reports have pointed out that CSIC (Canadian Security Intelligence Service), without a warrant, tracked communication of citizens using free Wi-Fi at airports.

Furthermore, Canada is part of the Five Eyes Alliance where intelligence on each other’s citizens is shared between five countries. And most of the information is gathered via online means. The Canadian government also ordered ISPs to keep a log of customers’ browsing and downloading habits. The record of activities is to be kept for at least six months.

Downloading Torrents in Canada

Downloading torrents is a civil offense in Canada and there have been instances where companies have filed lawsuits against citizens. Canadian law puts a ranging from $100 to $5000 for non-commercial copyright violations.

Government tracks the activities of users via ISP that keeps a log of browsing and download histories. However, users can get around it by enabling VPN and hiding their activities from ISP and Governments.

Cheapest VPN in Canada

The cheapest VPN providers in Canada include Surf Shark, NordVPN, Private Internet Access, VyprVPN, CyberGhost, and ExpressVPN.  Their packages start from $2.49 a month which is affordable for all Canadians.

Fastest VPN in Canada

VPN itself decreases the internet speed but some providers impose additional bandwidth restrictions. These restrictions can significantly reduce the internet speed and produce interruptions in your online activities. ExpressVPN, Surf Shark, and NordVPN are some of the fastest VPNs in Canada. These VPNs do not impose bandwidth restrictions on the network and consequently deliver fast speeds.

VPNs Canadian Should Avoid

You need to avoid VPNs that fail the DNS leak test, run outdated protocol, and have end-to-end encryption below 256 bits. However, in recent years some VPN companies have been reported to have committed breaches in security and privacy. Some of the notorious ones include:

• Hola
• Hotspot Shield
• HideMyAss
• Facebook Onavo VPN
• Opera Free VPN
• VPNSecure
• Zenmate

While using other VPNs users must be careful about the connected servers. You should avoid the servers that are located in Five Eye countries as they share data with each other’s governments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best free VPNs in Canada?

Windscribe, Proton VPN, TunnelBear, Urban VPN, Hotspot Shield, Hide.Me, VPNBook, and Atlas VPN are some of the best free VPN Canada. All of them provide a decent amount of data and a number of servers to the users and can even be increased by purchasing their packages.

What are the disadvantages of VPNs?

VPNs are not legal in all countries and can land users in trouble if the government finds it. Certain services impose restrictions on the bandwidth that reduces internet speed. And, some video streaming platforms can block users from using VPNs.

How much does a VPN cost in Canada?

VPN providers offer different packages that include a variety of services and cost is dictated by these features. Though on average VPN can cost anywhere from 3.5$ to 10$ a month.   

Can you be tracked if you use VPN?

Certain services like Netflix and Disney can track you if you are using a free VPN as they offer limited security and anonymity. But premium VPNs use advanced security and encryption that cannot be tracked even by the mentioned companies.

Are VPNs legal in Canada?

At both federal and provincial levels, there are no laws or regulations that bar users from using VPNs. Hence, VPNs are perfectly legal in Canada.

Conclusion

VPNs are not a choice but a necessity amidst the rise of our activities online. They not only keep us anonymous but also prevents us from all sorts of digital threats and scams. VPNs also let you unlock the content restricted to specific geolocations. We have enlisted some of the best VPNs that are available on the market in Canada. Honestly, all of them are pretty great but if we had to pick one it would be IPVanish. The winning advantage it has is that it provides all protocols on all sorts of operating systems.